LJMU leads the way with first campus-wide free period products in England

Angelina Cliff, President of JMSU and Professor Phil Vickerman, LJMU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Strategic Initiatives), launching the initiative.

From this week (w/c 29 April 2019), menstrual products will be placed in every one of the 221 female, gender neutral and accessible toilets across its campuses. Alongside the products placed in toilets, Moon Cups will be available directly from the Students’ Union in order to educate students on more sustainable and cost friendly methods of menstrual care.

This #LJMUFreePeriod campaign is the first comprehensive, unlimited scheme at a university in England.

The ground-breaking scheme follows research done earlier in the year led by JMSU President, Angelina Cliff. JMSU were shocked to find that a number of students reported either not coming into university or to leaving due to lack of access to menstrual products during their period. After discussing this research with the university’s senior leaders it agreed to fund the campus-wide trial. The aim is to roll out this free provision fully after a period of evaluation.

Mark Power, Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of LJMU said: “We are committed to supporting all our students to have the best experience possible at LJMU, providing them with opportunities to succeed regardless of their background, gender or financial position.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Students’ Union on the Period Poverty Campaign and proud of the work they have been doing on this issue.”

Angelina Cliff, President of JMSU said: “I’m very passionate about feminism, female empowerment and gender equality, and wanted to help address the issue of period poverty at LJMU.

“When conducting research into how this affects students, I was shocked to discover that a number of students will either not attend university, or go home after being caught off guard with a period and being unable to afford products. Period poverty is a direct barrier to receiving education, and free, readily available products will help to remove this barrier for both staff and students.

“I’m very happy that we are able to introduce this trial, alongside LJMU who have been so positive and proactive in making this change.”

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, responding to the campaign: “I support the great work that Liverpool John Moores University and the Students’ Union are doing through the #LJMUFreePeriod campaign. No woman should suffer through a lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints.

“That is why we were one of the first to act, ensuring that Combined Authority and Merseytravel staff have access to free sanitary products across our buildings.”